POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a prisoner of war was attacked during a burglary at his Yardley home.
The 96-year-old had to shout for help after the attack on February 17 as the raiders disconnected the phone line and removed his emergency pendant.
He didn’t initially hear the pair break into his home – located just off Gilbertstone Avenue – at around 2am.
They threatened him in the front room, where he was watching TV and demanded money.
One of them searched through his home stealing jewellery, watches and cash while the other pinned him down and shoved a quilt over his mouth to stop him from making any noise.
Speaking to the Police after the ordeal he said: “I was a prisoner of war in 1943 and believed I was going to be shot, but I was not as afraid then as I now feel in my own home.”
DC Laura Halpin who’s leading the investigation has urged those with information to search their conscience and do the right thing.
She said: “This would be an absolutely terrifying ordeal for anyone to endure, let alone a defenceless 96-year-old man inside his own home. I have no doubt the local community will be shocked, but please be assured we are determined to catch those responsible.
“I’d ask people who may know who is responsible to think about how frightening this would have been for this man and do the right thing − get in touch with us. Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is could be vital to our investigation.”
It’s understood the pair climbed over a wall in the back garden, and forced entry though a window. CCTV from a neighbouring property caught them in action- and police have released this to bolster their efforts.
Anyone with information should call Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BE/38098B/18.
